Rates and independent correlates of Pap smear testing among Korean-American women

Objectives. This study reports population estimates of Pap smear testing among Korean-American women and evaluates correlates of testing. Methods. Korean Americans in 2 California counties were surveyed by telephone. Frequencies were age adjusted to the 1990 census to produce population estimates of testing. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate independent correlates of testing. Results. Only 50% of the Korean-American women surveyed had a Pap test in the previous 2 years. The strongest independent correlate was having had a regular check-up in the previous 2 years (odds ratio 7.2, 95% confidence interval 4.2, 12.1). Conclusions. Rates of Pap testing among Korean-American women are well below national objectives. Collaboration and community-sensitive research are essential to collect data and design programs to improve the health of ethnic minority communities.